Edge to edge qwerty keypad for a handheld device

摘要

An improved handheld electronic device is provided with a display and a unique edge to edge qwerty keypad. The specially arranged qwerty keypad has special side keys and intermediate keys which cooperate with the housing to provide a waterproof casing (case) and sealing system to seal and protect the keys, backlighting, flexes, domes and printed circuit board (PCB) from water.

主权项

1. A handheld electronic device, comprising:
a mobile unit having a housing with sides and opposed surfaces, said sides including longitudinal sides with longitudinal edges and lateral sides with lateral edges; said mobile unit having a battery compartment for receiving a battery; one of said surfaces having a keypad; said keypad extending to two of said sides and having at least 10 keys including side keys and intermediate keys positioned between said side keys; said side keys extending to and substantially aligned with two of said sides; backlighting positioned below said keys, said backlighting comprising an elongated backlighting strip extending laterally and powered by the battery for backlighting and illuminating said intermediate keys and said side keys, said backlighting being spaced laterally inwardly from said longitudinal edges; conductive flexes extending laterally and positioned below said elongated backlighting strip, said conductive flexes including an elongated intermediate conductive flex for abuttingly engaging said backlight strip and side conductive flexes positioned at a level below said intermediate conductive flex, and said intermediate conductive flex being longer that said sides flexes; a printed circuit board (PCB) extending laterally and having opposite PCB surfaces including a an upper front PCB surface and a lower back PCB surface, said upper PCB surface supporting and engaging said intermediate, and said lower PCB surface positioned at a level above said side flexes; and at least one upright post extending substantially vertically between and abuttingly engaging said lower PCB surface and said battery floor for supporting and raising said elongated PCB above said battery floor.